Ludlow 159 Albrighton 160-6

AFTER taking over top spot the previous week, Ludlow fell back to thirdplace in the Marston’s Shropshire County Premier League when their young and inexperienced side slipped to a four-wicket defeat against Albrighton at The Burway.

Sam Edwards and Matt Hawes made a solid start to their innings after Ludlow had won the toss and opted to bat. The had just reached 50 when Hawes (10) was dismissed. The Ludlow innings nose-dived to 53-3 after Rob Genner went first ball and skipper Baden Wilton lasted just two deliveries against Joe Roberts (3-46).

After a spell of consolidation between Edwards (23) and Tim Goldthorp (11) the runs dried up for a while and with wickets going down Ludlow were soon struggling at 106-7.

A positive innings from Dave Proctor (25 off 29 balls) and double-figure contributions from three of his colleagues, plus 51 extras helped push the total past 150.

The Albrighton openers made a positive start to their innings until skipper Wilton started a purple patch for both himself and his team by catching Jason Summers (25) off Proctor.

He featured in the first five wickets, three times each as bowler and catcher, reducing the visitors from 33-0 to 66-5.

The result was in the balance at this point, but sensible batting by Wayne Yewbrey (15), Roberts (37 no) and Darren Shimmons (32 no) shifted the game back in Albrighton’s favour.

They got home in the 41st over with Wilton taking 3-46.

􀁥 Ludlow 2nd struggled in their midtable clash at Albrighton 2nd.

The home side were bowled out in thefinal over for 218, but turned Ludlow over for 138 in 31 overs and won by 80 runs.

Dave Gadsby (4-37) and Simon Miles (4-71) made early inroads into the Albrighton batting, but 85 from middle-order batsman Suhail Anwar ensured that his side reached a competitive total.

Ludlow skipper Will Wood reached 22 but his only worthwhile support came from opener Shaun Morris (25) and Mike Hornsey (23).